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Welsh asthma sufferers to benefit from once-daily ICS+LABA treatment

News, 14 August 2014

The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) has issued new guidance for the use of Relva Ellipta in the treatment of asthma, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced.

Relvar Ellipta was licensed at the end of 2013 for the treatment of both asthma and COPD. In May 2014 AWMSG issued positive guidance for Relvar Ellipta in COPD, while this new recommendation means health boards across Wales can allow appropriate patients with either asthma or COPD access to the first inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta agonist (ICS/LABA). This means patients will receive continuous 24-hour efficacy in a once-daily dose.

Dr Stephen McDonough, Medical Director UK, GSK, said: “Asthma represents a significant health burden in Wales so we are delighted by this positive recommendation from the AWMSG as a significant step forward in achieving access for all appropriate patients. This will provide clinicians with what we believe is an important option that will enable them to tailor treatment for individual patient needs.”

The AWMSG recommendation is in line with Relvar Ellipta’s licensed indication in asthma. It states: “Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Relvar® Ellipta®) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for the regular treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older where use of a combination medicinal product (long-acting beta2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid) is appropriate: • patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and 'as needed' inhaled short acting beta2-agonists. ”

Relvar Ellipta is available in two dose strengths in asthma: 92/22mcg and 184/22mcg.2 This ICS/LABA combination in a new inhaler device contains two molecules – fluticasone furoate and vilanterol – which work to reduce airway inflammation and relax airway muscles.

Asthma prevalence in Wales is reported to be one of the highest in the world with over a quarter of a million people living with asthma, which equates to approximately 8% of the population.